African Trekking FAQs
Here are clear, honest answers to the questions trekkers ask most often. Plan your trip across Africa with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The route a trekker takes determines how long it takes to reach Kilimanjaro's summit. A longer route makes it more likely to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro/UHURU PEAK.
The Kilimanjaro trek cost varies depending on several factors, including the trekking route, climb season, comfort level, and other factors. It costs about $2000 per person to hike the Machame route, which includes camping, trekking, a porter, a cook, a guide, service, lodging, and transfers.
For breakfast, you can have pancakes, boiled or fried eggs, porridge, fruit, bread, fruit jam, honey, peanut butter, tea, hot chocolate, or coffee. For lunch, enjoy boiled eggs, sandwiches, fruit, coffee, or hot cocoa. Climbers sometimes have to carry their lunches. We serve afternoon tea with biscuits, peanuts, and salted popcorn at the end of the trek. Enjoy dinner with a hot bowl of soup. The main course may include beef stew, chicken, or another type of meat, rice or pasta, and a vegetable sauce.
The Kilimanjaro trek cost includes conservation fees, rescue teams and trail upkeep costs. They charge daily, so longer routes cost more.
A team of porters, cooks and guides makes your Kilimanjaro climb successful. The team plays a major role in a successful summit by carrying all your gear at high altitude. The crew helps you set up your tents, prepare your meals, and keep a close eye on your safety.
Tipping is a gesture of gratitude in Africa. You tip team members to show your appreciation. Your feedback shows whether the support staff worked with your safety and interests in mind at all times. At the end of each trekking day, you can tip the crew members. You can plan a party to celebrate your climb on Mount Kilimanjaro.
No. Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya are both non-technical treks. You don't need ropes or mountaineering skills. Good physical health and a few months of hiking training are all you need.
Yes. Trekkers suffer from Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness when their bodies cannot cope with low oxygen levels and high air pressure at high elevations. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aches, dyspnea, dizziness, palpitations, and imbalance. You must seek a professional’s advice on preventing altitude sickness on the mountain. Acute Mountain Sickness is the severe form of altitude sickness. The factors to consider include:
- Take a longer route.
- Have proper food and drinks.
- Climb slowly at high altitude and sleep at low terrain
- Keep yourself hydrated enough
- Take the necessary medications for altitude sickness
- Have time to rest/sleep
Pack warm layers, waterproof and windproof outerwear, broken-in hiking boots, a good sleeping bag, and trekking poles. You'll pass through several climate zones in a single trek, from rainforest to freezing summit conditions. Layering is key to staying protected.
Yes. You must bring essential Kilimanjaro gear on the trek. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat for UV protection. Take headache pills and pain relievers. Don't use them too often, as they could mask other symptoms. Here is a list of the safety equipment you should carry -
- Waterproof trousers and a rain jacket.
- Anti-nausea medications
- Eye drops to protect your eyes from ice, snow, and dust.
- Rehydration salts to avoid dehydration.
- Painkillers to reduce muscle soreness and joint inflammation.
Yes. Your travel insurance policy must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. Many standard policies don’t include this, so check the fine print before you book.
Yes, you need travel insurance. Your travel insurance must -
- Include a coverage up to 6,000 meters above sea level.
- Covers medical expenses
- Covers your immediate helicopter evacuation in case of an emergency or acute mountain sickness.
On the Kilimanjaro Climb, you will use long-drop pit toilets in campsites or private portable chemical toilets, if available. We will provide necessary toiletries and hygiene products to maintain travellers' safety and comfort.
Yes, you can watch wild animals across the forest, especially in the lower forest zones of Mount Kilimanjaro. You may spot monkeys, birds, and small mammals.
No. The mountain is considered very safe. No animal attacks or unusual dangers beyond natural conditions occur on the mountain.
No. In most cases, a guide or porter accompanies you down while the rest of the group continues climbing.
